Page 34 of Highland Seduction

“I could no’ bear to get out. Thank ye for arranging it.”

Tor opened the bag he’d been holding. “I’ve a new shift for ye as well.”

“Where did ye procure it so quickly?” He’d not been gone long.

“The tailor, who has also agreed to begin working on a gown in the morn. We will need to visit him for measurements, but . . .” His eyes wrinkled at the corners when he smiled. “He will set aside his other commissions to finish it on the morrow.” Tor laid the shift on the bed. “I spoke to him of his other recent customers as well.”

Her eyes widened. Of course, the tailor would be a good person to question. “And?”

“He didnae serve a couple such as Ian and Marta. But I did receive the names of two other tailors in Berwick. We will begin our search with them. And I spoke to the innkeeper as well, to procure the location of the bishop and to make inquiries about Marta’s aunt. I wish we had the woman’s name.”

Ainsley’s heart sank at the mention of the man who could give them a patent to dissolve their marriage with the king. Without it, Alexander would never agree. With it, there was a chance. And though Ainsley was impressed by Tor’s resourcefulness, she wondered at his inquiry. It was important enough to not even wait till morn, apparently.

“Have I displeased ye?” he asked, watching her.

“Nay,” she rushed to answer. “I am quite pleased at the prospect of a new gown no’ covered with dried dirt.”

“Shall I leave?” he asked then. “So that ye may prepare for bed?”

Ainsley spied the stool next to her, ashamed to admit the truth. “I’ve no’ washed myself yet.” She picked up the scented soap. “I fear I must have closed my eyes without realizing I’d done so.”

Beginning with her legs, she began to run the soap along her body, the scent matching the one that had been used in her bath. She closed her eyes for a brief moment.

“If ye continue to make that sound, Ainsley, I’ll find it difficult to remain on this bed.”

Her eyes whipped open. Ainsley’s heart began to thud in her chest. “I didnae realize I made a sound.”

Her hand moved to her shoulders. And then her neck. Tor continued to watch her. She should look away. But could not.

After washing her arms, she stopped.

“I believe ye didnae wash everything, lass.”

“But . . .” She swallowed, her throat dry. “Ye’re watching.”

“Shall I look away?”

What should she say? It seemed wanton to say nay, but neither did she wish for him to do so.

“There is naught shameful about touching yerself, Ainsley.”

“The Church says otherwise.”

He made a strangled sound. “They say much, some of it true, some of it nonsense. I tell ye true, ’tis yer body to do with as ye please.”

Ainsley slowly moved the soap from her shoulders toward her breasts.

“There are times I do the same.”

“Touch yerself?”

His devilish smile was Ainsley’s undoing. “Aye. And pleasure myself too.”

Her hand froze. “Pleasure?”

She had never been told such a thing was possible. She and Greer spoke of many things, but never this. Nor did she and Rhona discuss it either.

Tor leaned forward on the bed, his elbows now resting on each knee. “Drop the soap, Ainsley.”